Central Government Schemes and Scholarships for the Agricultural Sector

• Central Government's Key Agricultural Schemes

The Central Government of India has launched various schemes to support the agricultural sector. Below are detailed descriptions and clickable links for applying to some of these significant schemes:

1. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY)

Description: Launched in 2016, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY) provides comprehensive crop insurance coverage to farmers against crop losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. The scheme aims to stabilize farmers' income, ensure their creditworthiness, and encourage them to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices. It covers all food & oilseed crops and annual commercial/horticultural crops for which past yield data is available. Premium rates are very affordable, with farmers paying only 2% of the sum insured for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial/horticultural crops.

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2. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

Description: APEDA, established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985, promotes the export of agricultural and processed food products. It provides financial assistance for export promotion, infrastructure development, and quality improvement. APEDA also offers market intelligence services and organizes training programs for farmers, exporters, and other stakeholders to improve their skills and knowledge.

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3. Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP)

Description: Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP), part of the National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET), aims to ensure the timely availability of quality seeds and planting materials at affordable prices. It focuses on enhancing seed production, distribution, and certification systems. The scheme promotes the use of high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties, strengthening seed infrastructure, and supporting private sector participation in seed production and distribution.

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4. Sub Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (Centrally Sponsored)

Description: This scheme, under the National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET), promotes the adoption of modern agricultural machinery to increase productivity and reduce the drudgery of farm work. It provides financial assistance for the procurement of machinery and equipment, including tractors, power tillers, specialized implements, and equipment for post-harvest and value addition. The scheme also supports the establishment of Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) and high-tech hubs.

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5. Per Drop More Crop

Description: Part of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), this scheme promotes efficient water management practices to enhance water use efficiency in agriculture. It focuses on micro-irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, ensuring that every drop of water is used effectively for crop growth. The scheme provides financial assistance to farmers for installing micro-irrigation systems, conducting water-saving demonstrations, and capacity-building activities.

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6. Fertilizer Subsidy Scheme

Description: This scheme provides subsidies on various fertilizers to ensure their availability and affordability for farmers. The government provides subsidies directly to fertilizer manufacturers and importers, who, in turn, sell the fertilizers to farmers at subsidized rates. The scheme aims to improve soil fertility, increase crop yields, and ensure sustainable agricultural practices. It covers major fertilizers such as urea, diammonium phosphate (DAP), muriate of potash (MOP), and complex fertilizers.

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7. Sub Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (Central Sector)

Description: This scheme supports the development and promotion of agricultural mechanization at the national level. It focuses on research and development of new machinery, capacity building, and establishing custom hiring centers for farm equipment. The scheme aims to promote the use of advanced and efficient machinery to enhance productivity, reduce labor dependence, and improve the quality of farm operations. It also encourages the adoption of precision farming technologies.

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8. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM KISAN)

Description: Launched in 2019, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM KISAN) provides direct income support to small and marginal farmers. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments, directly credited to their bank accounts. The scheme aims to help farmers meet their agricultural and household needs, ensuring a minimum income support to improve their livelihood. It covers all farmers owning cultivable land, with the exclusion of certain categories such as institutional landholders, farmer families holding constitutional posts, and professionals like doctors and engineers.

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These schemes aim to boost agricultural productivity, enhance farmers' income, and ensure the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. By applying to these schemes, farmers can avail various benefits and support provided by the Central Government.

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• Department of Agricultural Research and Education: 19 Key Schemes

The Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) plays a pivotal role in advancing agricultural education and research in India. Below are detailed descriptions of 19 significant schemes offered by DARE, along with clickable links to apply:

1. Agricultural Extension

Description: The Agricultural Extension scheme aims to enhance the dissemination of new agricultural technologies to farmers. It focuses on bridging the gap between research and farmers through training programs, workshops, and demonstrations. This scheme empowers farmers with knowledge on improved farming techniques, pest management, soil health, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Apply Here: Click Here

2. AgEdn - National Talent Scholarship (UG)

Description: The National Talent Scholarship (UG) under Agricultural Education (AgEdn) provides financial assistance to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in agricultural sciences. This scholarship aims to encourage talented students to excel in their academic pursuits and contribute to the agricultural sector.

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3. AgEdn - Merit Cum Means Scholarship

Description: The Merit Cum Means Scholarship supports students from economically weaker sections who demonstrate academic excellence in agricultural studies. This scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a maintenance allowance to help students focus on their education without financial constraints.

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4. AgEdn - Post Matric Scholarship

Description: The Post Matric Scholarship is designed to support students pursuing post-secondary education in agriculture. It aims to provide financial assistance for tuition, books, and other academic expenses, ensuring that deserving students can continue their education without financial barriers.

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5. AgEdn - Students READY

Description: The Students READY (Rural Entrepreneurship Awareness Development Yojana) program aims to provide hands-on experience and practical exposure to students in agricultural sciences. It focuses on entrepreneurship development, agribusiness management, and experiential learning to prepare students for the challenges of the agricultural sector.

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6. AgEdn - ICAR Emeritus Scientist

Description: The ICAR Emeritus Scientist scheme recognizes retired scientists who have made significant contributions to agricultural research. It provides them with an opportunity to continue their research and mentor young scientists, ensuring the continuity of valuable research initiatives.

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7. AgEdn - ICAR Emeritus Professor

Description: The ICAR Emeritus Professor scheme honors retired professors with exceptional contributions to agricultural education and research. This scheme allows them to continue their academic and research activities, fostering innovation and excellence in agricultural sciences.

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8. AgEdn - Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship

Description: The Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship provides opportunities for Indian and overseas candidates to pursue doctoral programs in agriculture and allied sciences. This fellowship promotes global collaboration and knowledge exchange in agricultural research.

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9. AgEdn - ICAR Junior Research Fellowship

Description: The ICAR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) supports students pursuing postgraduate studies in agricultural sciences. It provides financial assistance and encourages talented individuals to undertake advanced research in their respective fields.

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10. AgEdn - ICAR Senior Research Fellowship

Description: The ICAR Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) is awarded to students pursuing doctoral studies in agriculture. This fellowship aims to support research scholars in conducting high-quality research and contributing to the advancement of agricultural sciences.

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11. AgEdn - India-Africa Fellowship

Description: The India-Africa Fellowship program promotes educational and research collaboration between India and African countries. It offers scholarships to African students for pursuing higher education and research in agricultural sciences in India.

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12. AgEdn - India-Afghanistan Fellowship

Description: The India-Afghanistan Fellowship scheme aims to strengthen educational and research ties between India and Afghanistan. It provides scholarships to Afghan students for pursuing higher education in agricultural sciences in India.

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13. AgEdn - National Talent Scholarship (PG)

Description: The National Talent Scholarship (PG) supports postgraduate students in agricultural sciences. This scholarship aims to nurture and retain talented individuals in the field of agriculture by providing financial assistance for their advanced studies.

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14. AS_NDRI_Institute Scholarship for M.Sc. and Ph.D.

Description: The AS_NDRI_Institute Scholarship offers financial support to students pursuing M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI). This scholarship aims to promote excellence in dairy research and education.

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15. FS - CIFE - Institutional Fellowship

Description: The FS - CIFE Institutional Fellowship supports students at the Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE). It provides financial assistance for their academic and research activities in fisheries science.

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16. CS- IARI Scholarship

Description: The CS-IARI Scholarship is offered by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) to support students in their academic and research endeavors. This scholarship aims to promote advanced research in agricultural sciences.

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17. AgEdn - ICAR National Professor and National Fellow

Description: The ICAR National Professor and National Fellow scheme recognizes and supports distinguished scientists and academicians in agricultural sciences. It provides them with resources to continue their research and mentor the next generation of agricultural scientists.

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18. IASRI Scholarship for MSc and PhD

Description: The IASRI Scholarship supports students pursuing M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs at the Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI). This scholarship aims to promote excellence in agricultural statistics and informatics.

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19. AS_IVRI_Institute Scholarship for M.V.Sc. and Ph.D.

Description: The AS_IVRI_Institute Scholarship offers financial support to students pursuing M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. programs at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI). This scholarship aims to advance veterinary research and education.

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These schemes offered by DARE aim to enhance agricultural education, promote advanced research, and foster international collaboration in the agricultural sector. By applying to these schemes, students and researchers can avail themselves of various benefits and contribute to the growth and development of Indian agriculture.